Jem Mace blue plaque in Norwich

Jem Mace 1831-1910 Referred to as the Father of Modern Boxing, Jem Mace became World Heavyweight Champion in 1870 and subsequently became landlord of the White Swan from which Swan Lane takes its name.

Jem Mace (8 April 1831 – 30 November 1910) was an English boxing champion. He was born at Beeston, Norfolk. Although nicknamed "The Gypsy", he denied Romani ethnicity in his autobiography. A middleweight, he succeeded in outboxing heavier opponents thanks to his dancing style, clever defensive tactics and powerful, accurate punching.